Prevalence patterns and predictors of alcohol use and abuse among secondary school students in southern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: demographic factors and the influence of parents and peers

Abstract

AbstractBackground: The prevalence and predictors of alcohol use and abuse among school students were investigated with the aim of gaining insight to guide prevention interventions.Method: A cross-sectional, self-administered survey pertaining to a one-month period was conducted among students in grades 11 and 12 in purposively selected schools with mixed-race groups. Frequencies and χ2 analyses were conducted and forward stepwise, conditional entry logistic regression models were fitted to determine the significant demographic predictors and influence of peers and parents on students' alcohol use and binge drinking.Results: About 54% of students had used alcohol before, while 14.5% had had their first drink before the age of 13. In the relevant month, 41% used alcohol and 32% engaged in binge drinking. Students who were more likely to have used alcohol in the preceding month were older [odds ratio (OR) = 1.44, P = 0.006], male (OR = 2.1, P < 0.001), white (OR = 5.1, P < 0.001), had often seen their fathe...